Where applicable, we publish responses to requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. This one, , is detailed below.
Other FOI's
FOI21115
RE: FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 REQUEST
I am writing to confirm that the West Midlands Fire Service has now completed its search for the information you requested further to your freedom of information request. Please find below a summary of our findings.
Request
How many fires have you attended in the past year within buildings that have been under construction / within the construction industry?
How many of these fires were caused by ‘hot work’? (welding, cutting, soldering and any work that involves an open flame).
What kind of hot work was involved?
Were there any injuries, casualties or fatalities involved?
What kinds of buildings were involved?
Reply
During the last year 1st October 2020 to 30th September 2021, WMFS attended 16 fires where ‘under construction’ was selected under the building’s occupancy status. A further two incidents were attended at premises within the general construction industry. We don’t record what type of work (if any) was being undertaken, however ‘naked flame’ was recorded as the source of ignition group in four incidents. A total of three injuries and no fatalities were recorded. The following table details the property types involved.
| Property Type | Incidents |
| Ballroom or dance hall | 1 |
| Building and component suppliers | 2 |
| Houses (Detached, Semi-detached, Terraced) | 9 |
| Other type building related to retail or commercial services | 1 |
| Other type of domestic building / structure | 1 |
| Private detached shed / garden shed | 1 |
| Public house | 1 |
| Purpose built flat(s) / maisonette(s) | 1 |
| Warehouse | 1 |
If you have any queries about this Freedom of Information request, please contact us. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.
For service complaints, issues or comments regarding this request please contact The Public Relations Department, West Midlands Fire Service, 99 Vauxhall Road, Birmingham, B7 4HW
Further information concerning Freedom of Information requests can be found on the Information Commissioner website at either the following link: https://ico.org.uk/ or at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AF.